What is the Best All-Season Run-Flat Tire? Our Tests Will Tell You!

Nearly all cars that come with high performance run-flat tires use a summer only rubber compound to maximize grip levels and make the most of the car's power and suspension. While strong on performance, nearly all summer compounds are short on durability. Many of the customers I deal with are willing to give up a little high-speed performance for more mileage, so they opt for an all-season compound. We recently tested four of the leading high performance tires that maintain run-flat capability to see which one is considered the best.

The four tire manufacturers we tested (Bridgestone, Michelin, Pirelli and Yokohama) are globally recognized for offering high quality performance tires, so we put each model through a series of tests, both on our Real World Road Rides and on-site test track.

Our Real World Road Ride consists of a 6.6-mile loop of two-lane roads, four-lane roads and expressways, as well as surfaces that include asphalt (some very smooth areas while others are patched) and concrete (complete with expansion joints and some studded tire wear) that are similar to what our customers can expect on their daily commute. Out on the road, we found the Potenza's new 3G technology can minimize the expected harsh ride that run-flat tires are known for and set the bar very high for all the others. The Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZP was just a step behind but both the Pirelli and Yokohama options seemed to transmit the noise and road feel from bigger impacts and expansion joints.

Comments

Tuesday, May 7, 2013 byJoe Mantineo
Whats the second best run flat I have bridgestone for my 2011 Rav $

Wednesday, May 8, 2013 bydoc
Joe,
Unfortunately Toyota is using a tire size that did not normally come in a run flat option, so the only two tires we can offer are the original equipment Bridgestone Dueler HL 400 or the Bridgestone Turanza EL 400-02 tires. We would not expect any other brands to offer replacement tires for some time. Sorry we could not help further !

Thursday, August 29, 2013 byDoc
Robert,
Unfortunately Toyota is using a tire size that did not normally come in a run flat option, so the only two tires we can offer are the original equipment Bridgestone Dueler HL 400 or the Bridgestone Turanza EL 400-02 tires. We would not expect any other brands to offer replacement tires for some time. Sorry we could not help further !

Friday, September 20, 2013 byveldon simpson
I am trying to find a high performance RUN-FLAT tire in these sizes: 245/35ZR18 on the front, and 335/30ZR18 on the rear.
Thanks.
I have no spare tire. If the above tires are not available in RUN-FLAT, how can I fix a flat-tire until I get to a service station a hundred miles away. Is there a Fix-A-Flat that really works? Or another way?

Tuesday, September 24, 2013 byross
What is considered the best/quietest run flat for my 2005 awd Sienna?

Tuesday, September 24, 2013 byDoc
Ross,
Since all run flat tires have the same (reinforced) sidewall, there is normally not much variation across the tires available in your size in terms of comfort or road noise. If I had to pick one, early feedback on the Pirelli P7 All Season indicates it may be our best option.

Sunday, September 29, 2013 bywendy
I don't seem to get many miles on my run flats for mt 2007 mini cooper s convertible. Ii had pirellis on there and the inside tread wore very quickly. What do you suggest? They are too expensive to keep replacing. I was looking at the Bridgestone RE960AS or Continental procontact.

Sunday, August 10, 2014 byRon
I have BMW Z4 Bridgestone run flat
I don't like the noise and stiffness
thinking of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S3
(all season...not run flat)
I realize BMW does not agree with "ordinary" tires in case of a flat etc...but I have not had a flat in 20 years!!! now I will get one !!!
comments or stick with what you have?

Saturday, August 16, 2014 byDoc
Ron,
We have had countless BMW owners switch to non run flat tires with great success. As long as you have a "flat tire emergency plan" like joining AAA or adding towing coverage to your insurance etc, we would not have a reason to talk you out of switching.

Friday, January 2, 2015 byStep
What is the best run flat for a 2011 bmw 328i convertible

Saturday, January 3, 2015 byDoc
Step,
Based on our testing, we can recommend the Bridgestone DriveGuard very highly;

Unfortunately Bridgestone has no plans to manufacture the DriveGuard model in your sizes for the immediate future. The DriveGuard model is marketed as a Grand Touring tire, so (if available) the handling characteristics would be less than you would hope.